Ukraine partners with Nokia and ICEYE to build sovereign satellite communications

Ukraine's Defense Ministry signed a letter of intent with Finnish company ICEYE and Nokia to develop a sovereign satellite communication system, announced during the Finnish Prime Minister's visit to Ukraine. The partnership aims to create secure, high-performance satellite systems that Ukraine will independently control, supporting defense tasks, border protection, emergency services, and disaster response. The development will rely on trusted European technology, with first satellites planned for launch in 2028. ICEYE has supported Ukraine since 2022, previously providing access to its SAR satellite through a charitable fund. Synthetic aperture radar satellites can image the Earth's surface at night and through clouds, making them effective for reconnaissance and battlefield monitoring.